Background: :
Currently, the most important challenge in the development of therapeutics
and actives is their poor aqueous solubility and bioavailability.
Objective: :
The low aqueous solubility, poor pharmacokinetic properties, and bioavailability associated
with novel actives manifest in numerous challenges in the formulation of conventional dosage forms
like tablets, capsules, suspensions, emulsions, etc. Nanosponges are a novel class of drug delivery system
capable of encapsulating or entrapping both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs. Target-specific drug
delivery and controlled drug release are the advantages offered by nanosponges which make them a
promising anti-tumor drug delivery system.
Methods:
Nanosponges are colloidal structures comprising solid nanoparticles with cavities and meshlike
structures for encapsulation of wide varieties of substances like antineoplastic agents, proteins and
peptides, volatile oils, genetic material, etc. The methods of preparation of β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges
include solvent evaporation method, emulsion solvent evaporation method, ultrasound-assisted
synthesis, hyper cross-linked cyclodextrin and interfacial phenomenon method. A large variety of nanosponges-
based formulations are available in the market and some formulations of prostavastin, brexin,
glymesason, mena-gargle, etc. are under clinical trials.
Results: :
Nanosponges possess potential applications in target site-specific drug delivery to liver,
spleen, and lungs. Due to the surface functionalization, nanosponges show broad applications in water
purification, protein delivery, chemical sensors, detection of explosives, agriculture, etc. In the near future,
nanosponges-based products will capture a huge market for commercialization due to their improved
properties and advantages.
Conclusion: :
This review provides an account of the patents related to nanosponges (2006-2018) and
covers the broad applications of β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges, their roles in vaccine delivery,
cancer therapy, fire engineering, water purification, etc.
